Unity in a Book
Since I've been involved in the Renewing Worship project, I've heard
more than once person ask the question, "Why are we doing a new book?
These days, with so many people doing worship folders on the computer,
why do we need to spend money on a book?"
I think there are many reasons a book is still valuable.
1. Believers (that's you and me) will have access to a single, complete
worship resource for themselves--something that has been a hallmark of
our church since the time of Martin Luther.
2. Everyone will be able to explore a treasury of resources in one
place--prayers, services, psalms and songs, even Luther's Small
Catechism. I think this book will be a wonderful resource for personal,
family, and small group devotion, as well as congregational worship.
3. The variety of services and music will remind us that no matter what
style our worship is centered on Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus that we
find our unity.
4. The variety will also remind us that we are part of a diverse
church. We will get glimpses of Lutheran worship around the world--a
whole world that Jesus came to save.
5. A book can be used over and over again. As we learn to use this new
book, our bulletins will be much briefer, using less paper. We'll be
good stewards of creation.
6. I hope that some of our radio audience will purchase copies of the
book so that they will feel connected to us in a very tangible way as
they listen.
Holding and worshiping from a printed book, Evangelical Lutheran
Worship, will remind us that we are broad and welcoming church, a
church with many places and practices that enrich us all. This new book
of worship will help us all to know and celebrate the historic riches
of our worship and the new gifts before us.
As the primary worship book of the ELCA, Evangelical Lutheran Worship
will contribute to the sense that congregations are connected and that
we share in the same mission of God.
"Empowered by Christ's love, Gloria Dei reaches out as an inclusive, welcoming church through worship and social action."
